Ashevillage Institute

POSITION AVAILABLE: Ashevillage Institute’s Mycology Coordinator

Volunteer position with benefits for grad students and college seniors

“We are delivering a whole system, ground-up approach that addresses humanity’s most critical challenges at a neighborhood scale.” – Janell Kapoor, founder

START IN 2012 (Choice of 3, 6, or 12-month internship)
The Ashevillage Institute (AVI) is looking for a top notch volunteer to fill our Mycology Coordinator position. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of one of the premier urban permaculuture demonstration sites in the country. You will be working with a dedicated and knowledgeable on-site staff to design, develop, implement and test the performance of diverse mushroom production systems that you help to create.

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ASHEVILLAGE INSTITUTE
The Ashevillage Institute (AVI) is a nonprofit dedicated to sustainable solutions in action. AVI is based at a one-acre  property with integrated ecological systems that address humanity’s most pressing needs. We grow food and medicinal plants, capture and use rainwater, work with volunteers and interns, and offer tours and educational programs. Our goal is to inspire others to do the same on a home and neighborhood scale. Our site is residential and sits between downtown Asheville, NC and 60 acres of wooded parkland and trails. Highlights include:

• 18,000 gallon living rainwater catchment system with bio-myco remediation
• Two naturally renovated houses, one for guests and one for residents
• Aquaponic greenhouse with integrated chicken coop and shower
• Five recirculating aquaponic ponds, bogs, and catchment swales
• Beautiful and organic edible, medicinal, and flowered landscape
• Earthworks that maximize rainwater retention and utilization
• Bees, chickens, soldier fly larvae & mushroom production
• Outdoor kitchen with wood-fired cook stove & oven
• Natural buildings, renovations & mud art
• Woods with camping and meeting space
• Recycled urbanite patio

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RESPONSIBILITIES
• Research and develop an integrated mushroom system that maximizes water and nutrient usage for the purpose of on-site remediation, medicine and food consumption
• Design, build and implement mushroom habitat in logs, shrub piles and a mycoremediation train in a way that is in sync with the overall site aesthetic
• Research and acquire seven edible species for medicinal, nutritive and bioremediation uses
* Note life/production cycles of each
* Determine production capacity (yield)
• Develop and implement system to harvest and preserve mushrooms for specific end uses
• Analyze mushrooms for toxins including heavy metals, hydrocarbons and pesticides
• Research local mushroom market, and propose and implement a strategy for selling mushrooms, ie: to local restaurants, thus helping to develop a cottage industry
• Create a detailed program with distinct tasks for maintenance and recording data
• Contribute to educational outreach via:
* Writing/editing articles, blogs and possibly videos
* Facilitating tours and assisting workshops
* Being available for interviews

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QUALIFICATIONS
• Pursuing an advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate program) in Mycology or related field
• Knowledge of mushroom propagation, growing, harvest cycles
• You have a deep passion for creating ecological solutions to today’s global challenges
• You have a refined eye for detail and a job well-done
• You are a good communicator and team player
• You are comfortable working on your own and with others
• You are good at finding creative solutions and have an uplifting, win-win attitude
• You don’t mind grunt work and getting dirty

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BENEFITS & OPPORTUNITIES
• Work with AVI’s staff of who specialize in ecological systems and program design
• Help develop a new system at one of the nation’s premier urban Permaculture sites
• Collaborate with a team of other university interns
• Deepen your learning in a real-life setting
• Assist the 1-week Water Management Workshop, including the President of Appropedia.org

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COMMITMENT
The Mycology Coordinator position requires 15 hours per week minimum, and at least a three month commitment. You will need to have a laptop and be based in Asheville, NC. This is not a paid position, but funding may be available through your university and/or other sources. Course credit may be available through your university.

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APPLY
Please submit a CV/resume, a letter of interest, and two references to info@ashevillage.org.

<–Back to Intern Opportunities

POSITION AVAILABLE: Ashevillage Institute’s Aquaponics Coordinator

This is a volunteer position with benefits for grad students and college seniors

“We are delivering a whole system, ground-up approach that addresses humanity’s most critical challenges at a neighborhood scale.” – Janell Kapoor, founder

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STARTS IN 2012 (Choice of 3, 6, or 12-month internship)
The Ashevillage Institute is looking for a top notch volunteer to fill our Aquaponics Coordinator position. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of one of the premier urban permaculuture sites in the country. You will be working with dedicated and knowledgeable on-site staff to design, develop, implement and test the performance of the finished system and to complete at least one full cycle for harvesting fish and plants.

—

ASHEVILLAGE INSTITUTE
The Ashevillage Institute (AVI) is a nonprofit dedicated to sustainable solutions in action. AVI is based at a one-acre  property with integrated ecological systems that address humanity’s most pressing needs. We grow food and medicinal plants, capture and use rainwater, work with volunteers and interns, and offer tours and educational programs. Our goal is to inspire others to do the same on a home and neighborhood scale. Our site is residential and sits between downtown Asheville, NC and 60 acres of wooded parkland and trails. Highlights include:

• 18,000 gallon living rainwater catchment system with bio-myco remediation
• Two naturally renovated houses, one for guests and one for residents
• Aquaponic greenhouse with integrated chicken coop and shower
• Five recirculating aquaponic ponds, bogs, and catchment swales
• Beautiful and organic edible, medicinal, and flowered landscape
• Earthworks that maximize rainwater retention and utilization
• Bees, chickens, soldier fly larvae & mushroom production
• Outdoor kitchen with wood-fired cook stove & oven
• Natural buildings, renovations & mud art
• Woods with camping and meeting space
• Recycled urbanite patio

—

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Research & development of an integrated aquaponics system that maximizes water and nutrient usage for the purpose of on-site water and food consumption
• Design and implement water treatment and filtration system to utilize storm water runoff
* Includes bio-remediation, filtration and sanitizing for potable water in outdoor kitchen, shower, and garden irrigation
• Design, build and implement aquatic garden in the existing greenhouse
• Determine nutrient and water usage required for both fish and plants to maintain a healthy, balanced environment
• Research and acquire edible aquatic flora and fauna (ie: tilapia, prawns, watercress, lotus)
* Note life/production cycles of each
* Determine production capacity (yield)
• Set up data logging system to track/record key flow and nutrient variables for analysis
• Create a detailed program with distinct tasks for maintenance and recording data
• Contribute to educational outreach via:
* Writing/editing articles, blogs and possibly videos
* Leading tours and assisting workshops
* Being available for interviews

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QUALIFICATIONS
• Pursuing a degree (Master’s or Doctorate program) in Aquaculture/Aquaponics
• Competence in basic carpentry and plumbing
• Ability to perform volumetric/mass flow calculations to assess system viability
• You have a deep passion for creating ecological solutions to today’s global challenges
• You have a refined eye for detail and a job well-done
• You are a good written and verbal communicator
• You are comfortable working on your own and with others
• You are good at finding creative solutions and have an uplifting, win-win attitude
• You enjoy working hard and getting your hands dirty

—

OPPORTUNITIES
• Work with AVI’s staff of who specialize in ecological systems and program design
• Help develop the systems at one of the nation’s premier urban Permaculture sites
• Collaborate with a team of other university interns
• Deepen your learning in a real-life setting
• Assist instructors during the 1-week Water Management Workshop, including the President of  Appropedia.org

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COMMITMENT
The Aquaponics Coordinator position requires between 15-40 hours per week, depending on the length of your commitment. Applications are being accepted now. Admission is rolling. This is not a paid position, but funding may be available through your university and/or other sources. Course credit may be available through your university.

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APPLY
Please submit a CV/resume, a letter of interest, and two references to info@ashevillage.org.

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<–Back to Intern Opportunities

Ashevillage Institute interns are in an ongoing position of responsibility versus a one-time volunteer visit. If you are interested, please send your name, interest, and experience to info@ashevillage.org. Include your resume if you have one. Experienced inquiries only. Thank you!

Interns…

• Focus on an area that reflects your interests and skill level.
• Participate for 5-20 hours per week based on availability.
• Receive work-trade credit toward our 2011 Programs.

The following positions are currently open

Integrated Aquaponics and Water Systems Coordinator
Mycology R&D Systems Coordinator

We are always looking for talented candidates for our ever-expanding team. Please inquire if you are interested and have experience in the following:
HANDS-ON
- Skilled landscaper, farmer, or gardener
- General grounds-keeper
- Someone with skills in food & herbal processing (medicine-making, fermentation, drying, etc.)

OFFICE
- Public relations & media specialist
- Documentary film-maker &/or photographer
- Media archivist
- Administrator

DEVELOPMENT
- Grant-writer
- Membership coordinator
- Sponsorship coordinator
- Benefit events coordinator
- Development coordinator